The town of Morombe is located on the southwestern coast of Madagascar. Situated 283 kilometers from Tuléar, the town is accessible by road or by traditional dugout canoe from Morondava. Most of Morombe’s inhabitants are Vezo, a people known for their traditional fishing practices. Fishing is the primary source of income for the majority of villagers; however, illegal fishing by certain individuals threatens the marine resources upon which the local community relies for its livelihood. In response to this threat, a local association and its members have mobilized to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Vezo people and ensure a sustainable future for their fishermen.
Meet Mosesy Jean, president of the Morombe Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA). As a coastal warden, he is able to support his family while pursuing his passion. He opposes the destruction of the marine ecosystem; he wants his children, grandchildren, and future generations to benefit from it. That is why he has become an ocean advocate. His association works closely with Blue Ventures, a marine conservation organization that puts people first. The LMMA would not exist without this organization, which taught community members the importance of conserving the ocean ecosystem and persuaded them to form an association to protect marine species. Blue Ventures also provided assistance through equipment and technical support.
In 2022, Mosesy received an award during the international fisheries celebration in Ambovombe. He was the only winner from the southwestern region. The Ambovombe Fisheries Director selected him to represent his village and speak about the challenges faced and the efforts made by the LMMA in the southwest. The local community needs to become more actively involved in protecting the marine ecosystem. Mosesy addressed this topic and fielded numerous questions from his curious and fascinated peers. He took first place and enjoyed sharing his skills and knowledge. He remembers a woman from Toliara who told him, “Thank you, Mr. President; without your guidance, we would have no knowledge of marine conservation.” Her sincere gratitude and appreciation still deeply move him.
Ocean advocates focus on raising awareness. They teach community members what they should and should not do. Mosesy defines an ocean advocate as “an individual who protects the environment and the sea to prevent climate change and the extinction of marine species.” If Mosesy were a marine creature, he tells us, “I would be a seashell, because it helps clean the ocean, even though people often eat them.” The LMMA has a headquarters where members meet every two months to decide on future actions. They also teach marine conservation in seven villages. The communities in these villages have proposed creating more reserves to help protect the marine ecosystem. Protecting these areas will prevent the destruction of the sea and its ecosystem.
Before establishing the Tsimaharitra reserve, the LMMA members put in a great deal of effort. They subsequently set up a sea cucumber farm, establishing the reserve to protect and support the Tuléar community. This initiative was successful for about 12 months. Following the trial, IOT (Indian Ocean Trepang) took over the sea cucumbers. The LMMA members continued to assist village-based farms—particularly those on the islands—and finalized all the necessary legal documentation. Mosesy believes everything is ready, and they are now waiting to set up the village sea cucumber farms.
The local community now has three permanent reserves within the Teloriake LMMA (one at Teloriake, one at Anositompoy, and one in the northernmost section). Between 2022 and 2024, they protected the environment not only by planting trees and rearing local species but also by organizing regular beach cleanups. The CGP mandates a two-month closure on octopus fishing from June to August. To further protect octopus populations, temporary reserves are established across all LMMAs in the south and southwest. Although participation in these reserves is voluntary, many fishers join in to see how large a catch they can secure. LMMA members raise awareness and educate fishers, helping them increase the value of their marine products and manage their finances. Mosesy requested this training because it had proven useful for fishers in the Velondriake LMMA. They also protect marine ecosystems, including pearl oyster beds, reefs, and mangroves; they have planted approximately 60 hectares of mangroves to help combat climate change. In 2018, he led an enforcement operation alongside government officials and two Blue Ventures motorboats, joining forces to apprehend those violating the rules. As the situation escalated, many offenders fled, creating a chaotic scene. Crowds gathered, and some individuals attempted to attack Mosesy, throwing stones and other objects at him; one person even struck him in the face. Despite the imminent threat to his life, Mosesy remained steadfast in his commitment to protecting the marine ecosystem.
